Carrier surcharges (sometimes called pass-through fees) are additional fees mobile carriers charge for delivering SMS and MMS messages.
Carrier surcharges are small fees that mobile carriers add to the delivery of text messages. These charges are set by the carriers, passed to messaging aggregators, then to TapOnIt, and finally to you. TapOnIt does not mark these fees up.
Why Do They Exist?
Carriers introduced surcharges to manage the growing volume of commercial text messaging across their networks and to help ensure reliable delivery for businesses and subscribers.
When Do They Apply?
Surcharge amounts vary depending on:
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Message type – SMS and MMS have different rates.
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Number type – Toll-Free numbers, Short Codes, and 10DLC (local numbers) may each carry different fees.
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Carrier – Each carrier sets its own rates.
Currently, carrier surcharges apply only to messages delivered in the United States and Canada.
Current Carrier Surcharges (as of August 19, 2025)
| Toll-Free Numbers | ||||
| Carrier | SMS Outbound* |
SMS Inbound* |
MMS Outbound* |
MMS Inbound* |
| AT&T | $0.0030 | $0.0030 | $0.0075 | $0.0075 |
| T-Mobile | $0.0030 | $0.0030 | $0.0100 | $0.0100 |
| Verizon | $0.0040 | $0.0065 | ||
| US Cellular | $0.0025 | $0.0025 | $0.0050 | $0.0050 |
| All other carriers | $0.0035 | $0.0100 | ||
| Short Code | ||||
| Carrier | SMS Outbound* |
SMS Inbound* |
MMS Outbound* |
MMS Inbound* |
| AT&T | $0.00300 | $0.00750 | ||
| T-Mobile | $0.00250 | $0.00250 | $0.01000 | $0.01000 |
| Verizon | $0.00400 | $0.00650 | ||
| US Cellular | $0.00350 | $0.01000 | ||
| Other - Group A | $0.00250 | |||
| Other - Group B | $0.00350 | $0.00500 | ||
📌 Note: These rates are subject to change at any time by the carriers. TapOnIt will update this page when changes occur.
How TapOnIt Bills Carrier Surcharges
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Billed in arrears: Surcharges appear on your invoice after they’ve been incurred, unless otherwise noted in your terms.
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At cost (no markup): We pass them through exactly as we receive them from aggregators and carriers.
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Variable: Even small adjustments by a single carrier can change your overall average cost.
Planning for Carrier Surcharges
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Factor surcharges into your SMS/MMS marketing budget.
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Monitor this page for the latest updates.
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Keep in mind that message type (SMS vs. MMS) and number type can affect your costs.
If you have questions about carrier surcharges or how they impact your TapOnIt plan, contact our support team at support@taponit.com